Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Lawson’s Finest Liquids is joining forces with Vermont-based, hand crafted ski maker J skis to produce Mogul Masher Pale Ale (5.5% ABV), an après-friendly pale ale, and colorful, limited-edition skis to match! J skis collaborates with artists and brands to create unique ski graphics that stand apart from other ski brands. Only 200 pairs of the custom “Masher” graphic skis will be available, starting mid-October at Lawson’s Finest’s destination brewery and taproom in Waitsfield, at the J skis Intergalactic Headquarters in Burlington and online at jskis.com. One hundred percent of Lawson’s Finest’s royalties from ski sales will be donated to The Afterglow Foundation, a Vermont nonprofit shining light on suicide awareness and prevention.  

VermontBiz In coordination with state and local partners, we will be permanently closing the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Waterbury at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

This center is currently open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays at:

• Waterbury Armory - 294 Armory Drive, Waterbury, VT 05676

As an alternative, Vermonters can visit two other DRCs currently open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays at:

• Lyndonville Public Safety Facility - 316 Main Street, Lyndon, VT 05851
• Hinesburg Town Hall - 10632 Route 116, Hinesburg, VT 05461

The closure of these temporary centers is coordinated with state and local partners generally based on the volume of visitors and needs of the community.

VermontBiz Entries are open for the 2025 Vermont Writers’ Prize, which is awarded each year in two categories: prose and poetry. This is the 35th year of the prize, which celebrates all things Vermont. The prize is open to Vermont residents and your poem, short story, essay, or play should explore Vermont – its people, places, values, or history. 

“Vermont is always changing, and it is so inspiring to read the entries and see how writers express the Vermont experience,” said Kristin Carlson, a GMP vice president who serves as a judge for this prize. “Vermont means so many things to different people – and we invite everyone to share their story or poem.”  

You can learn more details and submit your for the 2025 Vermont Writers’ Prize here. The deadline to enter is January 1, 2025.

VermontBiz Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SPH), a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, today volunteered at Rutland Community Cupboard in Rutland, Vermont to unload, sort, and stock its shelves with pallets of food and pantry items, while also donating funds to purchase 2,778 fresh half gallons of milk for families in the local community.

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine Jonathan Cooper, community and economic development program manager at the Bennington County Regional Commission, said the new attention on the county is a surprising outcome of the pandemic. Bennington County is within easy reach of major metropolitan areas like Albany, Saratoga, and even New York City, making it a popular choice for commuters. The North and South Shire see a steady flow of traffic throughout the day, and towns like Manchester experience a significant population surge on holiday weekends, as visitors flock to enjoy its attractions. Tom Dee, CEO and president of Southwestern Vermont Health Center, acknowledged the economic challenges facing the county but emphasized that it has even more opportunities for growth and development. He sees various organizations and individuals actively working together on diverse projects, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

VermontBiz Nonprofit leaders and development professionals looking to elevate their organization’s fundraising efforts are invited to apply for the 2025 Fundraising & Development Certificate Program. This comprehensive online training runs from February 13 to July 10, 2025, and provides an in-depth exploration of essential fundraising strategies and skills. 

The program is designed to demystify the complexities of fundraising, offering participants the tools and confidence needed to enhance their organization's development initiatives. Through a blend of interactive trainings, peer-learning sessions, and expert feedback, attendees will gain valuable insights and practical experience. 

VermontBiz Once again, Springfield Regional Development Corporation (SRDC) is partnering with the Mt Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) and our area towns to develop the list of Priority Projects for state and federal fund eligibility.

The Priority Project process is going on in each region in the state and the final product is provided to the Agency of Commerce & Community Development (ACCD), who will share with other funders for consideration in making decisions on grant programs.

VermontBiz The Vermont Department of Labor has announced an increase to the State’s minimum wage. Beginning January 1, 2025, the State’s minimum wage will increase from $13.67 to $14.01 per hour - an increase of $0.34.  

This annual adjustment also impacts the minimum wage for tipped employees. The “Basic Tipped Wage Rate” for service, or “tipped employees,” equals 50% of the full minimum wage. On January 1, 2025, the tipped minimum wage will increase from $6.84 to $7.01 per hour.  

VermontBiz The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the launch of the Dairy Workforce Impact Fund, a new initiative designed to address critical workforce challenges in the region’s dairy industry. With $1.215 million in funding, the initiative aims to strengthen the workforce pipeline, improve career advancement opportunities, increase worker retention, and reduce barriers to participation in the dairy sector across 11 Northeast states. 

NE-DBIC will pilot the Fund for two years, beginning this fall.  Designed to spark, grow, share, and invest in workforce solutions, the Fund will provide grants and resources to support both farm and processing businesses across the Northeast. This initiative addresses critical challenges, including a shortage of entry-level workers and limited career pathways in the dairy sector. 

VermontBiz A new report from the non-profit Energy Action Network (EAN) provides the latest information on where Vermont stands on its climate and energy commitments. Included in the comprehensive report are up to date emissions and energy data for Vermont, along with in-depth analysis of the economics of different energy choices at both the household and statewide levels. 

VermontBiz Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) has announced the appointment of Kirt Mayland as visiting professor at the Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE). 

Mayland, who received his LLM in Environmental Law from Vermont Law and Graduate School in 2005, brings a wealth of experience in renewable energy development and environmental law to the school. Before joining VLGS, he was affiliated with the Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) at the University of Connecticut, where he taught renewable energy law, land use law and environmental law. 

VermontBiz The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose by 0.3 points in September to 91.5. This is the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose 11 points to 103, the highest reading recorded. Fifty-one percent of owners reported capital outlays in the last six months, down five points from August. Meanwhile, the number of owners reporting inventory gains fell four points to a net negative 13% (seasonally adjusted), the lowest reading since June 2020.

"The latest NFIB survey paints a concerning picture for Vermont's small businesses,” said NFIB Vermont State Director Shawn Shouldice. “The combination of high uncertainty, persistent inflationary pressures, and a decrease in job openings is creating a challenging environment in the state. With 90% of those hiring reporting few or no qualified applicants, Vermont small business owners are caught between the need to grow and the struggle to find suitable talent in this uncertain economic landscape."